Remote Control Code Transfer for Automatic Wireless Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current universal remote control programming methods are time-consuming and require significant user intervention, especially with the increasing number of home entertainment devices and features, and often necessitate manual entry of device codes and physical connection to a computer.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enables electronic devices to transmit codes to a remote control device for wireless programming, allowing automatic configuration without user manual entry, using a processor, memory, and wireless communication interfaces, such as infrared or RF, to control various functions of home entertainment devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual programming method is used with original remote control, then device control functionality is achieved, but programming time and user effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProgramming easeVSAvoidProgramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device automatically transmits its control codes to the remote control device without requiring manual intervention. The device performs the programming task itself by detecting the remote control device and initiating code transmission, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual programming process while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control codes are pre-stored in the electronic device's memory before any programming operation is needed. When a remote control device approaches, the codes are immediately transmitted without requiring real-time generation or manual input, thus reducing programming time while ensuring accurate device control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If computer-based programming method is used, then user interface convenience is improved, but physical connection requirement and location separation issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProgramming convenienceVSAvoidConnection requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (physical USB or serial cable connection to a computer) with a wireless communication system. The electronic device uses its existing wireless interface to communicate with the remote control device, eliminating the need for physical connections and external computers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining programming convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device's existing wireless communication interface, originally designed for other purposes, is utilized for code transmission to the remote control device. This multi-functional use of the wireless interface eliminates the need for dedicated programming hardware or physical connections, simplifying the overall system while maintaining programming convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If traditional programming method is used, then device code accuracy is ensured, but user intervention requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCode accuracyVSAvoidProgramming automation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a learning sequence where the remote control device sends a learning sequence initiation request, the electronic device responds by transmitting codes, and the process continues until all necessary codes are transferred. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate code transmission while maintaining high automation, as the system self-regulates the programming process based on mutual communication between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and automatic programming of remote control devices, reducing user intervention and allowing seamless control of multiple devices with varying signal processing capabilities, even when line-of-sight is obstructed, by transmitting function-initiating codes wirelessly.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting diode (LED) configured to emit a series of infrared light pulses representing an instruction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20110114716A1Systems and Methods for Programming a Remote Control Device

Publication Date: 2011.05.19 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Methods and systems are disclosed that include retrieving codes that are usable by a remote control device to remotely control a function of the electronic device. The methods and systems may also include transmitting the codes to the remote control device via a remote control device interface controllable by a processor of the electronic device.